VISION

We believe that one of the most damaging forces at work in our world is the demonizing of the “other.” Whether separated by trauma, social standing, religion, race, sexual orientation, geography, age, or gender, breaking down barriers begins with a willingness to see beyond labels like “oppressed” and “oppressor.” As we come face to face with another’s perspective, without judgement, we are empowered to act in love. And that action can change the world.

We aspire to tell stories that build bridges between groups or individuals separated by discord or trauma, and to equip individuals to explore and express their own stories of forgiveness and healing.

We will accomplish this through:

Productions of existing plays with relevant themes

Commissioned original plays that tell true stories of living people

Collaboratively created pieces in which participants enact their own and others’ stories of forgiveness.

Dissemination of ideas through presentations, workshops, academic conferences, and publications

PEOPLE

Artistic Director

Angela Konrad is a director, teacher, and dramaturge, who has been working in theatre for more than 20 years. In addition to directing Dark Glass Theatre's productions of disPLACE and Ruined, she has had the privilege of directing several productions for Pacific Theatre. These include John Patrick Shanley's Outside Mullingar, Margaret Edson’s Wit; Emil Sher’s Mourning Dove; Arlene Hutton’s Last Train to Nibroc; and Marsha Norman’s Traveler in the Dark; as well as Craig Wright’sGrace , which won Jessie awards for Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Production. For Glass City Theatre, Angela directed Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, which won the Jessie for Outstanding Production, as well as awards for lead actor and lighting design. Angela has experience in many areas of theatre, from costume design to administration to marketing. She is Professor of Theatre at Trinity Western University where she directs regularly and teaches acting and directing.

Jessica Garden

Associate Producer

An artist, administrator, and passionate social justice advocate, Jessica studied theatre and literature at Trinity Western University and worked for many years in property management. As a director, she has directed The Miracle Worker with Gallery 7 Theatre, assisted on Dark Glass Theatre's productions of disPLACE and Ruined, directed the world premiere of Throne at the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and will be directingTigers Be Still with Stone's Throw Productions at Pacific Theatre in June 2018. She is thrilled to work in a place where her administrative skills, love of literature, and theatre experience can all come out and play. There is nothing she’d rather do than tell meaningful stories through the theatrical arts.

Steven Simpson

Administrative Assistant

Steven is a fourth year BFA Acting student at TWU whose many skills include video editing, spreadsheets, carpentry, front of house management, and jewellery design. As we like to say, “He can do anything!” Steven is delighted to combine his love for theatre, his problem-solving abilities, and his passion for social justice in his work for Dark GlassTheatre. Steven’s singing talent has been showcased in a series of videos called Actor on a Tractor. Watch for them on a Facebook page near you.

MacKenzie Cameron

Communications Assistant

A recent graduate of Trinity Western University's Psychology and Human Services program, MacKenzie brings to the team a love for people, a desire for change at the margins, and the fire to fuel the train. While at TWU she was the Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper, a photographer for the yearbook, an actor in four productions, and an all around keener with a zest for school. Working with Dark Glass Theatre provides her with the opportunity to get her hands dirty in the creative work of reconciliation, empathy, and global awareness.

SPONSORS

We are grateful to the many organizations and individuals who make our work possible. If you would like to support Dark Glass Theatre, contact us!

PAST PRODUCTIONS

RuinedBy Lynn Nottage

Jan. 26 – Feb 17, 2018

Winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Ruined explores the plight of women living in a small tin mining town in the civil war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. The setting is Mama Nadi’s poolroom and bar. Mama Nadi protects and profits off the bodies of the women who have become casualties of the long and brutal war. She ensures survival by catering to both sides of the conflict, but how long can she keep the war outside her walls?

September – December 2017

disPLACE: Refugee Stories in Their Own Words

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER

As with any theatre company, there is always lots to do! If you are inspired by the vision for Dark Glass Theatre and want to know how you can help, email us! There are opportunities for everything from administration, to event assistance, to building sets. We welcome your involvement.

SUBSCRIBE

Want to find out about future projects? Join our mailing list!

DONATE/SUPPORT

We have big dreams for Dark Glass Theatre. And those dreams take money. If you would like to help us tell stories that can change the world, please consider becoming a financial partner.

There are many ways to help – one-time donation, monthly support, or by becoming a patron. All donations are tax deductible and all will grow and sustain the activities of Dark Glass Theatre.

Contact Us

Tell Stories

Tell stories that enable audiences to experience greater understanding of and compassion for ‘the other’

Build Bridges

Build bridges between groups or individuals separated by discord or trauma

Explore & Express

Equip individuals to explore and express their own stories of forgiveness and healing, generating increased empathy in themselves and audiences

HOW IT WORKS

As we watch a play, we are transported into another’s story, walking alongside and sharing in the joy and pain of a fellow human being. Compassion begins with a basic understanding that we are all the same – as children of God, we are created in love, designed to be lovable and loving. But circumstances and choices shape who we become. As we identify with others on stage – people who are not two-dimensionally represented on a silver screen or buried within the pages of a book but living and breathing right in front of us – we are confronted with our common bond. We can no longer judge the “characters” as we consider the world from their point of view.

Theatre also provides a platform to tell personal stories. For people crippled by shame or corroded by anger, the opportunity to share their pain can be life-giving. Research shows that those who endure harmful experiences are greatly assisted by telling their stories because human connection is central to healing. Theatre is an intensely collaborative process which immerses participants in the realization that they are not alone. Giving voice to those who do not feel heard, and bringing to life experiences that might otherwise remain hidden, grows empathy for both actors and audience.

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.

Martin Luther King, Jr

DARK GLASS THEATRE

An initiative of the Humanitas Anabaptist-Mennonite Centre, Dark Glass Theatre is founded on the idea that empathy can change the world; that as we learn to know others and know ourselves, we unleash the power of our common humanity; that personal stories of shame, forgiveness, and restoration free us from judgement and enable us to see each other more clearly; and that this process can bring about a compassionate revolution.

My own eyes are not enough for me. I will see through the eyes of others.

C.S. Lewis

Humanitas Centre

Humanitas Anabaptist-Mennonite Centre is the product of a partnership between the Mennonite Faith and Learning Society (MFLS) and Trinity Western University. The MFLS is partnering with Trinity Western University to establish a multi-disciplinary research centre focused on bringing an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective to the integration of faith and learning.